plural lights
1
a
: something that makes vision possible
b
: the sensation aroused by stimulation of the visual receptors
c
: electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength that travels in a vacuum with a speed of 299,792,458 meters (about 186,000 miles) per second
specifically
: such radiation that is visible to the human eye
3
: a source of light: such as
a
: a celestial body
As night fell the lights in the sky multiplied.
b
: candle
put a light in the window
c
: an electric light
4
a
: a color of notable lightness : a light or pale color
—usually plural
Bartlett allows his preliminary wash or grisaille to dry and then applies transparent layers of broken color. Into this wash he adds the lights and darks as they have been mapped out underneath.—
Harley Bartlett
Harley Bartlett
b
lights plural
: clothing that is light in color
always washed his lights separately from his darks
5
archaic
: sight sense 4a
6
a
: spiritual illumination
the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it—John 1:5 (Revised Standard Version)
John 1:5 (Revised Standard Version)
b
c
: enlightenment
reaching out and groping for a pathway to the light—B. N. Cardozo
B. N. Cardozo
d
: truth
7
a
: public knowledge
facts brought to light
b
: a particular aspect or appearance presented to view
saw the matter in a different light
8
: a particular illumination
9
: something that enlightens or informs
shed some light on the problem
10
: a medium (such as a window) through which light is admitted
11
lights plural
: a set of principles, standards, or opinions
worship according to one's lights—Adrienne Koch
Adrienne Koch12
: a noteworthy person in a particular place or field
a literary light among current writers
see also leading light
13
: a particular expression of the eye
listened with a fiery light burning in her eyes—Sherwood Anderson
Sherwood Anderson14
a
: lighthouse, beacon
b
15
: the representation of light in art
16
: a flame for lighting something (such as a cigarette)
lighter; lightest
1
: having light : bright
a light airy room
2
a
: not intense in color, coloring, or pigmentation : not dark : pale
light hair
b
of colors
: medium in saturation and high in lightness
light blue
3
of coffee
: served with extra milk or cream
lit
ˈlit 
or lighted; lighting
or lighted; lighting
1
: to become light : brighten
—usually used with up
her face lit up
2
: to take fire
3
: to ignite something (such as a cigarette)
—often used with up
1
: to set fire to
2
a
: to conduct with a light : guide
b
: illuminate
rockets light up the sky
1
a
: having little weight : not heavy
b
: designed to carry a comparatively small load
a light truck
c
: having relatively little weight in proportion to bulk
aluminum is a light metal
d
: containing less than the legal, standard, or usual weight
a light coin
2
a
: of little importance : trivial
b
: not abundant
light rain
a light lunch
3
4
a
: easily endurable
a light illness
b
: requiring little effort
light work
5
: capable of moving swiftly or nimbly
light on his feet
6
a
: frivolous sense 1a
light conduct
b
: lacking in stability : changeable
light opinions
c
: sexually promiscuous
7
: free from care : cheerful
8
: less powerful but usually more mobile than usual for its kind
light cavalry
a light cruiser
9
a
: made with a lower calorie content or with less of some ingredient (such as salt, fat, or alcohol) than usual
b
: having a relatively mild flavor
10
a
: easily digested
a light soup
b
: well leavened
a light crust
11
: coarse and sandy or easily pulverized
light soil
13
: intended chiefly to entertain
light verse
light comedy
14
a
: carrying little or no cargo
the ship returned light
b
: producing goods for direct consumption by the consumer
light industry
15
: not bearing a stress or accent
a light syllable
16
: having a clear soft quality
a light voice
17
: being in debt to the pot in a poker game
three chips light
18
: short sense 5d
light on experience
19
: casual, occasional
a light smoker
lit
ˈlit
or lighted; lighting
or lighted; lighting
Phrases
in the light of
1
: from the point of view of
2
or in light of
: in view of
In light of their findings, new procedures were established.
: to attack forcefully
I lit into that food until I'd finished off the heel of the loaf—Helen Eustis
Helen EustisSynonyms
Noun
Adjective (1)
Verb (1)
Adjective (2)
Verb (2)
Examples of light in a Sentence
Noun
The landscape was bathed in light.
a photograph taken in low light
the light of the moon
a mixture of light and shadow
The windows let fresh air and light into the room.
The lights suddenly went out.
The lights suddenly came on.
the twinkling lights of the city below
the bright lights of Broadway
The lights are on, so there must be somebody at home.
Recent Examples on the WebMaya Polton, Parents, 6 Apr. 2024
Some economists have begun to question whether the Fed will need to cut rates anytime soon in light of the consistently durable U.S. economy.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 6 Apr. 2024
As Clarkson sang, a row of purple lights remained dim behind her, and the audience listened silently.
—Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 6 Apr. 2024
The breathless state media coverage of her dining choices or dexterity with chopsticks reflects an effort by Beijing to cast Yellen’s visit in a positive light, especially to an increasingly anti-American Chinese public.
—Lily Kuo, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2024
For just the second time in seven years, day will suddenly become night for a few brief, wondrous minutes as the orbiting moon blocks the sun's light along a southwest-to-northeast path across the continent.
—USA TODAY, 5 Apr. 2024
Last year’s shows were suffused with themes of mortality, and that carried over on Thursday, in moments that felt even more poignant in a light of a new loss: Springsteen’s mother, Adele, died earlier this year.
—Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, 5 Apr. 2024
The Niagara region on the Canadian side of the falls declared a state of emergency for April 8 in light of those concerns.
—Christina Coulter, Fox News, 5 Apr. 2024
When the moon is farther away, and thus appears smaller, much of the light of the sun can leak out around it, producing the less-sensational phenomenon known as an annular eclipse.
—Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 5 Apr. 2024
Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 7 Apr. 2024
In time, the pink tablecloth was joined by an eel, a turtleneck sweater, tulips, a set of bicycle handlebars, the elevator, amphorae, portholes, a hairy goat, bricks, the light switch, and 39 other rather unlikely items from the past several thousand years.
—Paul Croughton, Robb Report, 6 Apr. 2024
Leave a comment View Comments For example, in low light, bright reds appear dark or nearly black, while blues and greens increase in vividness.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 6 Apr. 2024
Because the plant does not love heat and humidity, grow it in well-draining soil in a spot with light afternoon shade.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 6 Apr. 2024
Inside, the airy villa features pale blue and white plush sofas complemented by light wood furnishings and beautifully patterned floor tiles.
—Devorah Lev-Tov, Travel + Leisure, 5 Apr. 2024
Day 2 After a relatively light schedule on Day 1, Day 2 was more intense.
—Fred Bronson, Billboard, 5 Apr. 2024
The young and playful energy of the hotel extends into the public spaces, which includes a bar and shaded backyard pool deck with a food truck, where guests can grab light bites throughout the day.
—Monica Mendal, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2024
Chat with a satire columnist: Alexandra Petri offers a lighter take on news and political in(s)anity.
—Meghan Leahy, Washington Post, 28 Mar. 2024
Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Apr. 2024
At the end of the ceremony, the grooms also lit a unity candle with their mothers.
—Jason Sheeler, Peoplemag, 6 Apr. 2024
The house music cuts, banana-yellow spirals light the walls and whirl.
—Jonathan Rowe, SPIN, 4 Apr. 2024
Protests ramped up on Saturday in Tel Aviv, with one group lighting a fire at the entrance of the Ministry of Justice and another gathering on the main thoroughfare Begin Road, Nouri says.
—Mallory Moench, TIME, 3 Apr. 2024
No grill cover included If your house is the destination for weekend gatherings, pool parties, or backyard barbecues, this model’s 816 square inches of total cooking area will light your fire.
—Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2024
Chandeliers made by the craftsmen who light the Château de Chambord cast a lush glow over lemon trees planted in wooden boxes originally designed for the gardens at Versailles.
—Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024
The best time to visit Finland depends on what lighting excites you the most: 24/7 daylight, or the neon green aurora borealis against the night skies?
—Condé Nast Traveller, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Mar. 2024
Instead, the government released a video over the weekend that showed Putin lighting a candle to honor victims at a private Orthodox church at his residence outside Moscow.
—Charles Maynes, NPR, 25 Mar. 2024
Staff Author, Health, 18 Jan. 2024
That Star Filter is a lightweight complexion booster that can be worn solo or mixed into makeup; it's formulated with vitamin E to nourish and light-bouncing mineral pigments for celeb-worthy radiance.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 7 July 2023
Instead of shuttling back and forth, the vitamin A complex stays put in the retina, where one wavelength of light bends the light-sensing molecule, while another unbends it.
—Byelizabeth Pennisi, science.org, 10 Apr. 2023
Dryness may follow, and with no blood vessels of its own, the light-catching cornea relies on tears and the aqueous humour inside the eye for replenishment.
—Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2023
Casper Snoozewear Sleep Mask If Dad takes the night shift and sleeps during the day, this light-blocking eye mask will become a newborn life MVP.
—Laura Lajiness Kaupke, Harper's BAZAAR, 10 Mar. 2023
Another batter — light-hitting 151-pound utility man Sergio Alcántara — smoked a double off the wall.
—Evan Grant, Dallas News, 7 Mar. 2023
Our testers found the drinks flavorful but light-bodied so this is best for someone that doesn’t like extremely strong coffee drinks.
—Jamie Kim, Good Housekeeping, 28 Feb. 2023
Noun
For babies who are working on mastering holding their heads up through tummy time, entertainment can be engaging lights and sounds, contrasting colors for visual stimulation, and tactile surfaces for physical exploration.
—Maya Polton, Parents, 6 Apr. 2024
Some economists have begun to question whether the Fed will need to cut rates anytime soon in light of the consistently durable U.S. economy.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 6 Apr. 2024
As Clarkson sang, a row of purple lights remained dim behind her, and the audience listened silently.
—Ingrid Vasquez, Peoplemag, 6 Apr. 2024
The breathless state media coverage of her dining choices or dexterity with chopsticks reflects an effort by Beijing to cast Yellen’s visit in a positive light, especially to an increasingly anti-American Chinese public.
—Lily Kuo, Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2024
For just the second time in seven years, day will suddenly become night for a few brief, wondrous minutes as the orbiting moon blocks the sun's light along a southwest-to-northeast path across the continent.
—USA TODAY, 5 Apr. 2024
Last year’s shows were suffused with themes of mortality, and that carried over on Thursday, in moments that felt even more poignant in a light of a new loss: Springsteen’s mother, Adele, died earlier this year.
—Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, 5 Apr. 2024
The Niagara region on the Canadian side of the falls declared a state of emergency for April 8 in light of those concerns.
—Christina Coulter, Fox News, 5 Apr. 2024
When the moon is farther away, and thus appears smaller, much of the light of the sun can leak out around it, producing the less-sensational phenomenon known as an annular eclipse.
—Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 5 Apr. 2024
Adjective
One inch of the coral’s light brown tips was bumpy with living polyps, while the rest was dull white, resembling a dead tree branch.
—Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 7 Apr. 2024
In time, the pink tablecloth was joined by an eel, a turtleneck sweater, tulips, a set of bicycle handlebars, the elevator, amphorae, portholes, a hairy goat, bricks, the light switch, and 39 other rather unlikely items from the past several thousand years.
—Paul Croughton, Robb Report, 6 Apr. 2024
Leave a comment View Comments For example, in low light, bright reds appear dark or nearly black, while blues and greens increase in vividness.
—Ashley Strickland, CNN, 6 Apr. 2024
Because the plant does not love heat and humidity, grow it in well-draining soil in a spot with light afternoon shade.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 6 Apr. 2024
Inside, the airy villa features pale blue and white plush sofas complemented by light wood furnishings and beautifully patterned floor tiles.
—Devorah Lev-Tov, Travel + Leisure, 5 Apr. 2024
Day 2 After a relatively light schedule on Day 1, Day 2 was more intense.
—Fred Bronson, Billboard, 5 Apr. 2024
The young and playful energy of the hotel extends into the public spaces, which includes a bar and shaded backyard pool deck with a food truck, where guests can grab light bites throughout the day.
—Monica Mendal, Vogue, 5 Apr. 2024
Chat with a satire columnist: Alexandra Petri offers a lighter take on news and political in(s)anity.
—Meghan Leahy, Washington Post, 28 Mar. 2024
Verb
The viewer is treated to a full 1980s experience – slick streets with steam coming out heating vents, neon lit nights – combined with Hollywood touches like Hollywood backlots and sound stages.
—Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 8 Apr. 2024
At the end of the ceremony, the grooms also lit a unity candle with their mothers.
—Jason Sheeler, Peoplemag, 6 Apr. 2024
The house music cuts, banana-yellow spirals light the walls and whirl.
—Jonathan Rowe, SPIN, 4 Apr. 2024
Protests ramped up on Saturday in Tel Aviv, with one group lighting a fire at the entrance of the Ministry of Justice and another gathering on the main thoroughfare Begin Road, Nouri says.
—Mallory Moench, TIME, 3 Apr. 2024
No grill cover included If your house is the destination for weekend gatherings, pool parties, or backyard barbecues, this model’s 816 square inches of total cooking area will light your fire.
—Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 1 Apr. 2024
Chandeliers made by the craftsmen who light the Château de Chambord cast a lush glow over lemon trees planted in wooden boxes originally designed for the gardens at Versailles.
—Lauren Collins, The New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2024
The best time to visit Finland depends on what lighting excites you the most: 24/7 daylight, or the neon green aurora borealis against the night skies?
—Condé Nast Traveller, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Mar. 2024
Instead, the government released a video over the weekend that showed Putin lighting a candle to honor victims at a private Orthodox church at his residence outside Moscow.
—Charles Maynes, NPR, 25 Mar. 2024
Adverb
Dark spots can indicate the presence of mold, and gray-blackish (or possibly light pink) slimy scum suggests biofilm, a substance secreted by microorganisms.
—Staff Author, Health, 18 Jan. 2024
That Star Filter is a lightweight complexion booster that can be worn solo or mixed into makeup; it's formulated with vitamin E to nourish and light-bouncing mineral pigments for celeb-worthy radiance.
—Kara Nesvig, Allure, 7 July 2023
Instead of shuttling back and forth, the vitamin A complex stays put in the retina, where one wavelength of light bends the light-sensing molecule, while another unbends it.
—Byelizabeth Pennisi, science.org, 10 Apr. 2023
Dryness may follow, and with no blood vessels of its own, the light-catching cornea relies on tears and the aqueous humour inside the eye for replenishment.
—Matt Hrodey, Discover Magazine, 27 Mar. 2023
Casper Snoozewear Sleep Mask If Dad takes the night shift and sleeps during the day, this light-blocking eye mask will become a newborn life MVP.
—Laura Lajiness Kaupke, Harper's BAZAAR, 10 Mar. 2023
Another batter — light-hitting 151-pound utility man Sergio Alcántara — smoked a double off the wall.
—Evan Grant, Dallas News, 7 Mar. 2023
Our testers found the drinks flavorful but light-bodied so this is best for someone that doesn’t like extremely strong coffee drinks.
—Jamie Kim, Good Housekeeping, 28 Feb. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'light.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near light
Cite this Entry
“Light.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/light. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
light
1 of 6 noun1
a
: something that makes vision possible
b
: the sensation aroused by stimulation of the visual sense organs
c
: electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength (as infrared, visible, ultraviolet, and X-rays) and traveling in a vacuum with a speed of about 186,000 miles (300,000 kilometers) per second
especially
: such radiation that is visible to the human eye
2
: daylight sense 1
by dawn's early light
3
: a source (as a lamp) of light
turn on the light
4
a
: public knowledge
facts brought to light
b
: a particular appearance presented to view
were shown in a bad light by the lawyer
I see the matter in a different light now
5
: a particular illumination
by the light of the moon
6
: something that helps one to know or understand
shed light on a problem
7
: a noted person : leading light
8
a
: lighthouse, beacon
b
: traffic signal
turn left at the next light
9
: a flame for lighting something
light
3 of 6 verb
lighted or lit
ˈlit
; lighting
; lighting
1
: to make or become bright
—often used with up
2
: to cause to burn or begin to burn
—often used with up
3
: to lead with a light
light a guest up the stairs
light
4 of 6 adjective1
a
: having little or less than usual weight : not heavy
b
: designed to carry a small load
light truck
2
3
a
: easily disturbed
a light sleeper
b
: putting forth little force or pressure : gentle
a light touch
4
: not hard to bear, do, pay, or digest
light punishment
light exercise
light food
5
: capable of moving swiftly or nimbly
light on one's feet
6
: intended chiefly to entertain
light reading
light verse
7
: made with a lower calorie content or with less of some ingredient (as fat)
light salad dressing
8
: having a spongy or fluffy quality
light pastry
9
: producing goods that will be sold to the people who use them rather than to another manufacturer
light industry
lightly
adverb
lightness
noun
light
5 of 6 adverb1
: in a light manner
2
: with little baggage
traveling light
Etymology
Noun
Old English lēoht "light, that which makes seeing possible"
Adjective
Old English lēoht "not heavy"
Verb
Old English līhtan "to come down off something or out of the air"
Medical Definition
light
1 of 2 noun1
a
: the sensation aroused by stimulation of the visual receptors
b
: an electromagnetic radiation in the wavelength range including infrared, visible, ultraviolet, and X-rays and traveling in a vacuum with a speed of about 186,281 miles (300,000 kilometers) per second
specifically
: the part of this range that is visible to the human eye
2
: a source of light
light
2 of 2 adjective
variants
or lite
: made with a lower calorie content or with less of some ingredient (as salt, fat, or alcohol) than usual
light salad dressing
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